According to data published by the Czech Union of Spirits Producers, spirits production in the country stood at 576,000 hectolitres in 2002, on a par with the total for 2001. However, beer production rose by 1.7% to 18.177m hectolitres, it was reported.

The Union also published some other alcohol consumption data. Annual per capita wine consumption in the Czech Republic stood at 16.2 litres in 2002. This continued a general upward trend from 13.5 litres in 1999.

However, average spirits consumption fell to 8.8 litres, the Union said. Average spirits consumption was 10 litres in 1999.